Mariners Moose Tracks, 3/29/24: Nelson Cruz, Stephen Strasburg, and Trevor Stephan

Hello friends! One day into the season, there’s plenty of news to get to around baseball. Let’s dive in.

In Mariners news...

• In case you missed it, Nelson Cruz signed a one-day contract to retire as a Mariner prior to yesterday’s game.
• We knew it was coming, but the Mariners formally designated outfielder Taylor Trammell for assignment.
• As an amendment to a previous link from yesterday, the M’s have actually re-added utilityman Brian Anderson on a minor league deal.
• If you wanted more Hyphen content, now you have it.

Around the league...

• Major League Baseball placed Rays shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave through June 1 while the league continues to investigate him.
• The Stephen Strasburg situation in D.C. remains unsettled. The right-hander, who attempted to retire last summer, did not report for camp this year and has been placed on the 60-day injured list.
• Guardians reliever Trevor Stephan underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2024 season.
• Cubs Opening Day starter Justin Steele left yesterday’s start early and will likely be headed to the injured list with a hamstring issue.
• Congratulations to Jay on his hard-fought journey paying off!